A harrowing criminal case involving the abuse of a 6-year-old child by her mother reached its resolution on December 20, as a Deming woman was handed a 21-year prison sentence.
As reported by the Deming Headlight on Friday, Rosa Gonzalez, 34, received her sentencing for subjecting her biological child to abuse that commenced when the little one was merely 3 years old. District Attorney Michael R. Renteria's press release detailed the disturbing nature of the case.
The revelation of the abuse came to light when an employee from Bell School raised the alarm after encountering the child at Walmart without shoes, observing a severe cut on her wrist. Subsequently, Gonzalez faced charges, including first- and third-degree felony counts of child abuse, leading to all the children in her residence being placed under the custody of the Children, Youth, and Families Department.
During the sentencing proceedings, Deputy District Attorney Anne Swank characterized Gonzalez's actions as torture. Swank stated that Gonzalez openly confessed to routinely assaulting her daughter, targeting her face, head, and various parts of her body. Shockingly, Gonzalez admitted to using an electrical cord to bind her daughter's wrists and ankles, leaving her alone and restrained for extended periods.
A medical examination confirmed the extent of the child's suffering, revealing injuries consistent with prolonged restraint. The child exhibited extensive injuries on her face, scalp, neck, mouth, legs, and both inside and outside her ears.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one first-degree felony and one third-degree felony. The first-degree felony carried a potential 18-year sentence, while the maximum for a third-degree felony was three years.
District Court Judge Jennifer DeLaney accepted the state's recommendation, mandating that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total of 21 years. Furthermore, the judge deemed the first-degree felony a "serious violent offense," necessitating Gonzalez to serve at least 85 percent of the 18-year portion of her sentence.
As reported by the Deming Headlight on Friday, Rosa Gonzalez, 34, received her sentencing for subjecting her biological child to abuse that commenced when the little one was merely 3 years old. District Attorney Michael R. Renteria's press release detailed the disturbing nature of the case.
The revelation of the abuse came to light when an employee from Bell School raised the alarm after encountering the child at Walmart without shoes, observing a severe cut on her wrist. Subsequently, Gonzalez faced charges, including first- and third-degree felony counts of child abuse, leading to all the children in her residence being placed under the custody of the Children, Youth, and Families Department.
During the sentencing proceedings, Deputy District Attorney Anne Swank characterized Gonzalez's actions as torture. Swank stated that Gonzalez openly confessed to routinely assaulting her daughter, targeting her face, head, and various parts of her body. Shockingly, Gonzalez admitted to using an electrical cord to bind her daughter's wrists and ankles, leaving her alone and restrained for extended periods.
A medical examination confirmed the extent of the child's suffering, revealing injuries consistent with prolonged restraint. The child exhibited extensive injuries on her face, scalp, neck, mouth, legs, and both inside and outside her ears.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one first-degree felony and one third-degree felony. The first-degree felony carried a potential 18-year sentence, while the maximum for a third-degree felony was three years.
District Court Judge Jennifer DeLaney accepted the state's recommendation, mandating that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total of 21 years. Furthermore, the judge deemed the first-degree felony a "serious violent offense," necessitating Gonzalez to serve at least 85 percent of the 18-year portion of her sentence.